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Professional rider Derek Gee from Canada stated publicly he is confronting a substantial damages claim amounting to €30 million by his previous squad, the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."

Departure Before Key Event and Underlying Reasons

Gee, aged 28, who finished fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, left Israel-Premier Tech shortly before September’s Vuelta a España. That race experienced widespread demonstrations related to Palestine connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

"I terminated my contract for valid reasons, as is every person’s right if they cannot to keep fulfilling their duties under the existing circumstances," Gee explained on his social media accounts.

He emphasized that his choice was carefully considered and followed an irreparable relationship with the team's leader, as well as major worries related to racing for the team from both a safety and personal-belief standpoint. These issues deeply affected his conscience, he added.

Team’s Response and Ongoing Case

Israel-Premier Tech informed Reuters they could not to provide a statement regarding this issue since the dispute is currently before the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the governing body for their input.

Gee acknowledged that leaving the team left him without a contract or insurance if he were injured, but stated it was a risk he was willing to take since he was unable to continue racing with the squad.

Substantial Demand and Rebranding News

"I recognize the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a damages claim reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than upholding my basic rights as a professional and individual."

He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the recent announcement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.

It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Professional cyclists usually make just a small portion of that amount during their racing years.

In related news, Israel–Premier Tech announced on Monday that they will undertake a full rebrand for the 2026 season, moving away from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.